Community:LGBTQ culture in VRChat

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LGBTQ culture in VRChat

Official VRChat logo, with the "Progress" Pride Flag as its background; displayed on social media approximately in June and July.

LGBTQ culture (an acronym, referring to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning" persons) is a widely embraced aspect of the VRChat community; including and not limited to people who are genderqueer, and non-binary gender identities, as well as a-spec orientations.

Overview

VRChat is widely recognized as a welcoming space for individuals of diverse queer identities, with a significant portion of its user base identifying as queer. Numerous queer communities exist on the platform, including one of the most notable, "Trans Academy", a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which has been recognized and supported by VRChat.

LGBTQ and VRChat

The "Pride" Holopod from VRChat Home (2024).

At its core, VRChat has consistently supported LGBTQ+ individuals by fostering an inclusive environment and celebrating queer creators, with many staff members identifying as part of the community.

In the World Search tab, accessible through the Search tab of the Main Menu, there are default terms such as 'LGBTQ' and 'rainbow.' Additionally, one of the Quick Menu clock settings includes an "LGBTQ+ clock" option, displaying the time in a vibrant rainbow pattern.

In June 2024, VRChat updated the VRChat Home world to include multiple pride flags as well as messages of support from the staff team and was available until July 8th. VRChat has also made social media posts in 2023 and 2024, observing Pride Month and recognizing the LGBTQ community beyond June.

Gender expression in VRChat

VRCat, with the "Progress" Pride Flag.

VRChat can immerse a user, through the use of avatars that may match with one's gender identity, or experiment with other gender expressions. Avatars can range in their gender expression, ranging from feminine, androgynous, and masculine, enabling users to express themselves in ways they may not typically do or are able to in real life.

Some users may not necessarily identify with the gender their avatar presents. For instance, some cisgender men might choose female-presenting avatars simply for their aesthetic appeal or the variety of clothing, accessories, and features available. In contrast, transwomen, may prefer feminine avatars for comfort or to align more closely with their identity.

A speech, being given at the Trans Academy, for "Trans Day of Visibility 2024".

Engaging with avatars of different genders can shift perceptions of aesthetics and preferences over time. Exploring gender in VRChat is a common experience, allowing individuals to express themselves freely in a safe and supportive environment. This fosters a fluid understanding of gender that contrasts with the more cisnormative notions often seen in real life, enabling users to experiment with their identities without the constraints of societal expectations.

Gender, and the Proteus effect

The Proteus effect describes how users identify with and immerse themselves in the appearance of their avatars, often leading to changes in their behavior and self-perception in the virtual world. This phenomenon enables individuals to explore and express their gender identity in ways that might not be possible or comfortable in their everyday lives. By adopting avatars that reflect a different gender or present themselves in nontraditional manners, empowering them to embrace aspects of their identity that may have been suppressed. As users engage with diverse gender expressions in a virtual space, one can challenge and redefine their own understanding of gender, giving one a greater understanding of the gender spectrum in the real world and allowing for a more open mind on identity and expression.

Community resources on VRChat and gender

• Identity, Gender, and VRChat (Why is everyone in VR an anime girl?) published by Straszfilms, on February 3, 2021.
• Why are there SO many Trans people in VRChat? Gender, Identity, and Self Discovery. published by The Virtual Reality Show (PHIA), on April 11, 2023.
• Wearing Female Avatars in VRChat published by Twice, on September 23, 2023.
• Saving Trans Lives in VR: The VRChat Trans Academy published by Azael, on October 12, 2023.

See also

• Community:Culture
• Trans Academy
• LGBTQ portal on Wikipedia